The North Carolina Department of Transportation anticipates the Roanoke Avenue resurfacing project will take three weeks.
This is barring any inclement weather, the department said in a statement this morning.
Rose Brothers will begin the project Wednesday and this morning employees of the company were setting up cones, work zone signs and doing some preliminary work.
DOT, along with the city’s Main Street program, is encouraging people to not park on the side of the avenue during the project.
“All avenue businesses will be open and we would encourage patrons to use the free municipal parking,” said Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle Monday. “During the project people should avoid parking directly on the avenue.”
Caudle said work will begin near WestRock and Rose Brothers will work their way to the avenue and Seventh Street in the first phase.
The project will eventually conclude at the avenue and the intersection of Highway 158.
As work on the paving begins, construction of the mid-block crossing at the 1026 urban greenspace across from the Halifax County Arts Council will continue. The mid-block crossing has to be completed before resurfacing reaches that section of the avenue.
Caudle said the project should help the avenue upon its completion. “There is data to support that improved streetscapes help improve retail sales. Visually, it will be a more positive experience and the functionality of the road will be significantly improved.”
DOT said in the statement drivers will encounter lane reductions on part of the avenue while crews remove and replace the pavement.
The department said the work will be done in the daytime and in sections, meaning the contractor will mill away, repave and restripe one section at a time. The contractor will maintain two-way traffic on the three-lane road, but motorists are encouraged to slow down and be alert in the work zone.
Main Street continues to encourage residents and visitors to shop local during construction. “We would appreciate people driving with caution and remaining patient during this process because it will mean a better avenue for all. It’s a temporary inconvenience for a long-term benefit,” said Caudle.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
